I am rather sick of bus rides.....I miss my car! (week 40)

Dear Family,

Well I am sure missing you all! Summer is starting, and well I am sad about missing bbq´s at Jill's....... Can't believe Alyssa is now eight and getting baptized on Saturday, and that Madilyn is graduating.....now that is just really weird. Welcome to the real world Maddie!

So today we went to Rancagua again.....so that was fun. I am really sick of going on buses. We went so I could visit the ¨back specialist¨. So something different here from the states is that they just ask you to take off your clothes while they are still in the room. I was wearing lots of layers, which was a handy thing today. They there was this man in the street today who was a lot drunk and tried to touch my heart after I gave him a proselyting card (we were waiting for transportation). That was a bit awkward. He also tried to kiss me, but he couldn't reach lol. I actually feel bad for him. He needs some help. He told us he is an alcoholic. 

So Joaquin didn't go to church again.....this kid kills me. He is doing a bit better this week. I think it is just a hard transition, and even harder to be the only member in the family. We go over every Wednesday to teach him and help him with his school stuff when we can find a member to accompany us. (Side note his grades have jumped up since we have been doing this.) So we went over and his Mom wanted us to help him with his math (are you laughing yet?) and it was actually something I remembered. So I told him that if he scored 100% on his test I would buy him Nutella. So then he called me a few days letter and he totally did it. I have to buy him Nutella now......which is kind of expensive, but that's okay. We ended up having a bomb.com lesson that night too. We talked about how the gospel blesses families. We compared Jesus Christ and his teachings to Joaquins favorite soccer coach. I asked him if I were to do exactly what the coach asked me to if I could be a good soccer player and he of course said yes. Then we asked if I just sat there and didn't do anything....obviously no. So then we talked about different gospel topics that he has been able to apply and the blessings. So that was awesome. Then we told him he is on Jesus´s team and no one is going to be able to beat him as long as he applies what he knows. His Moms eyes were just burning with the spirit which was awesome. She has had some really challenging moments lately with Ivan and his illness and then her other son Samuel has been really really sick lately. Apparently he doesn't believe in God now......so that's interesting. Anyway it was just awesome. I felt so blessed leaving that lesson. I am praying so hard to receive the revelation necessary to help him feel the spirit and that we would actually be able to visit. Keep praying for this kid please! I just love him to pieces!

We ended up dropping Patricia this week. She doesn't really follow through, and we know there are other people God has ready for us. Someday she will join the church, but just not right now. Also Francisca dropped us.....that was an interesting experience. She still is going to go to mutual and stuff, but doesn't want the lessons......everyone gets to pick as Grandma says. 

So a funny thing happened this week. My companion got marked by a dog. I about died. It was so funny.....in a disgusting way.

Also a man informed me in the street (he is an old investigator from the hermanas before us) that he is going to come and visit me when I get done with the mission and then he is going to marry me and take me back to Chile......I about died. I was like.....um no sorry I am not going to give my family up for that long. I just hope I don't get a call from the airport one day.......I just don't know what I would do about that.

So this week at consejo President and Hna Warne bought Papa Johns.....that was the best thing ever! Then to top it off we ate great value ice cream. It was delightful! It is kind of ridiculous how I get so excited about food.

As a parting note, I want to share something that I read this week. I was reading something in the Liahona and it said that President Heber J. Grant prayed that he wouldn't loose his testimony and he asked for help to endure to the end. If a prophet of God prays for that.....none of us should ever take for granted the testimonies that we have. Anyone can fall away. If you are not anxiously engaged in your conversion, you will fall away. Don't ever take anything for granted. 

Read and Pray Every day!

Hermana Makin

 

Flat Sadie

Contemplating gaining weight to be warmer this winter....that is how cold it is.... (week 39)

So guess where I am right now? RANCAGUA!!!!! My heart is so happy! I was thinking the other night about how after this cambio I will only have 5 cambios left, and that I still don't know very many areas of the mission, and you know how I love to travel and such, but then today coming back here it is like coming home.....I may just want to spend the rest of my days in this beautiful spot. There are 3 other sectors in Rancagua I haven't served in yet....BUT I am just going to trust that God will send me where the people need me.

We actually came to Rancagua because my companion had a dentist appointment. We actually have to come back on Friday again because it turned out to be more extensive than originally thought. Oh, and I have to come back AGAIN on Thursday for our meeting.....so I will be doing lots of traveling this week. On the bright side, I will get to check the mail! Woot woot!

So it has been really cold this week! I am going to look for new gloves, because the ones I use leave my hands cold, and they were supossed to be good ones! That is my only complaint so far. The boots and wool socks make my toes nice and toasty (thanks pops) and the coat.....well good job Jason, you are a good picker-outer. I may invest in some ear-muffs. They have some rather fun looking ones in San Fernando. 

I have also decided that this winter as part of my survival plan I am going to live off of Ramen Noodles, Hot Chocolate, and peanut butter toast. Sounds tasty right? I might eat some fruits and vegetables too, but no promises.

How was Ruby's birthday? I was thinking about her on that day and annoyed with myself for forgetting to say something on Monday. I feel like she can't be 3......is she 3? She's just so little! May 21st is actually a holiday here....something to do with a war or something. I want to study Chilean history when I get home. We had a mateado at the church. It is where everyone brings mate and drinks and chats and what not. Members also brought treats and they made SOPAIPILLAS!!!! So that was awesome. Speaking of sopaipillas, I forgot to tell you that right after I got done with the skype call Hermana Fuentes had hot sopaipillas for us....well sprobably mostly for her family, but they were delicious!

This week my Alyssa turns 8! I can't even believe it :( Where does time go. I am so sad to be missing her baptism! I am going to try not to think about it......it just makes me too sad. Also, Madilyns graduation.......I mean if someone doesn't over document these occasions.....I might just really lose my mind.

I was sorry to hear about Shirley. I can't even remember the last time I saw her. So sad! What happened exactly? Does anyone know? How was the funeral? She had the most fun house! 

Big shout out to Mom and Dad for their anniversary tomorrow!

So lots of people have asked about Joaquin......well he didn't come to church yesterday......it is crazy the change that has come over him recently. Its just so different from a few weeks ago. Conversion is really hard....well the change is anyway. Please keep praying for him....specifically that he can have spiritual experiences or opportunities. 

We are now teaching a 14 year old girl named Fransica. She is going to get baptised this next month in June. She wakes up early every morning and goes to seminary, so that is kind of cool. She has friends that are members. There is still a lot to do to help her prepare for this big step.

So I found out that Javier stopped going to church......that just about killed me soul. The Hermanas never found him again after I left.....he was so strong when I left, so I don't know what happened. It just kind of breaks my heart. He was so prepared too when he got baptised. Not much I can do unfortunately. Please pray for him. I told Hermana Stirngham about that this week, she was not happy either. We just love that kid so much!

We found Paticia by the way! It was an awesome lesson! She told us she knows it is what she needs to do, but that she is scarred, because she knows she is going ot have to leave a lot behind. Please pray for her to have opportunities to strengthen her faith, and that we can keep finding her when we pass by.

Did I tell you all abut Monica and Karen? Well.....sadly we haven't been able to find them. SO SAD!

Did you see the house I helped build? I feel pretty legit to be able to say I helped build a house. 

Today is the 3 year anniversary of my companions baptism! Isn't that awesome! We want to do something to celebrate, but we are broke haha because it is the end of the month. Which means.....we get to get creative, which is always so much more fun.

The other night the other Hermanas cooked oatmeal and put it on their faces.....apparently its a thing? Haha idk they are crazy and I love them. We definitely do things we never would have in normal life as missionaries,

Oh and by the way, my companion hates when I talk like a Gringa....it is really funny, totally going to bug her about that ALL CAMBIO LONG!!!

So remember when I had that weird rash on my arm at the beginning of the mission....well its ba-ack. I don't really know what to do about it, but I called the nurse, so she is aware......it just never gets old haha

Well I know that I am forgetting stuff, but that is all I can think of at the moment.

Read and Pray Everyday

Hermana Makin

Pics, Pictures, and Pix

Flat Sadie in Chile (week 38)

Hola!

 

Flat Stanley made it to Chile! I am so so so so happy. I get to be the cool Aunt from 6,000 miles away. So the new married missionary couple came to inspect the house and they brought the mail. God knows the desires of our hearts. I was just so so so so excited and happy. One of the biggest tender mercies this week haha.

 

Also another thing happened this week that made me scream and shout and let it all out. HERMANA STRINGHAM IS COMING TO SAN FERNANADO!!!!!!! She isn't going to be my companion, but she is going to be in the same zone, so basically I get to see her often. I am truly so excited! I might have freaked out just a little bit when I heard the news. We might have been in the church.......are we sure I am really 24? Good thing there wasn't anyone there haha

 

So Joaquin is doing better. I am still really concerned about him because of some stuff he was telling us and the Elders this week, so please keep praying for him.

 

So you remember the story I told you about Patricia the one we invited to be baptized a couple of weeks ago. (It was when I did divisions with Hermana Bishop.) Well, we haven't been able to find her again. :( We might have to end up dropping her.......we are going to work really hard on finding her this week, and if we cant, then we are going to have to stop passing by. It makes me sad, because she knows God sent us.......which means she has a level of understanding.......

 

Oh also I should mention that we cambios are tomorrow. My companion Hermana Smith is going to Curico and I am going to get a new companion. Her name is Hermana Aizama. I actually did divisions with her one day when I was in Graneros. She is crazy haha, but like in a fun way. She is a really good missionary. I am excited to work with her. I am SOOOOO happy that I am going to have a companion who works hard, loves the people, and is obedient. (I know this because I already worked with her.) She is from Argentina by the way. Her story is pretty incredible. I will have to tell it to you some day. She is a recent convert. 

 

Anyway I am boring again.....I need to start writing in my journal so that I have more to share with you all....or rather remember what to share.

 

I miss you all very much, and I pray that you are doing well. 

Read and Pray Everyday!!!

 

 

Hermana Makin

P.S. For my lack of words I will send pictures. Am I forgiven? THANKS!

Post Phone Call (week 37)

Hey Everyone,

 

It was so fun to see everyone yesterday! The hour went by so fast! I especially loved all of the photos from yesterday. That was awesome. I miss you guys! I appreciate so much all of the prayers you are saying for me. I feel them, and they raise me up to stand on mountains (yep, I just went there). I especially loved how everyone sang to me. That was one of my favorite parts.

 

We had a pretty.....interesting week this week. It was a rather challenging one, but I am always up for a challenge! 

 

Joaquin is....not doing so great. He said he doesn't want to do the church thing anymore. Please pray for him. Pray that he can feel the spirit. His family is passing through a really challenging time and they need some prayers.

 

What else....um....oh yeah I turned 24....so I am old now. We didn't do anything for my birthday, but the Elders brought cake to mission coordination so that was really thoughtful. One of the members sang at me from his car when he saw us in the street, so that was awesome. Nothing quite like being serenaded haha Oh and a drunk man told me to go die....that was really funny.

 

We are working really hard on finding new people to teach. 

Everything here seems so routine and normal because it is what I do everyday, but I know there is more I just can't think of anything.

 

Sorry.....worst email ever, I just cant think of anything to say. You did get to see me yesterday though, so I hope you got a good enough fix to last you till next Monday. I promise to be more exciting, and have some good stories to tell. I am also really short on time.......

 

I LOVE YOU ALL THE WAY TO THE US AND BACK A BAZILLION TIMES!

Read and Pray Everyday!

Hermana Makin

Its a little more than chilly in Chile (week 36)

Another week has flown by....literally. Now when I forget to say things on Monday, or tell you about stuff I don't get mad. I just think, well tomorrow will be Monday again. It literally feels like that. I am kind of in denial because I am really close to my halfway point......WEIRD! I don't want to talk about it.

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes, and songs. That was really special. Definitely cried...I am hoping it is a really good day.....though I am so not okay with being 24.....that sounds so OLD!!!

So this week I had divisions in my sector with Hermana Bishop who is just amazing! Love her! We had like this rock solid day. It was back to back lessons and the spirit was SOOOOO strong in all of them. One of my favorite days in the mission. So we had just had two awesome lessons with awesome people and we were on our way to another appointment when I felt the need to go visit someone named Patricia. She is an investigator who we can never find. Anyway we go there and she is there and she invites us in and we start teaching here and I get this really strong impression that I have to invite this woman to be baptized. So I was praying in my head to God and saying okay I am going to do it, but how am I going to do that? How am I going to work this one in, in the middle of a lesson. So as I was praying and talking, Hermana Bishop started talking and I was like OHHHHH that is how and then we challenged her to baptism and she accepted and is going to get baptized the end of June. I guess you had to be there, but it was just so awesome. Hermana Bishop after told me she had the same feeling, that she had to invite her to be baptized which she felt really uncomfortable about because she was working in my sector haha She has 3 months in the mission, so it made her a little nervous.

 

Anyway I can't think of anything interesting that has been happening....and I have to go, but come up with a list of questions to ask me on Sunday. You will get a really quick response. I am hoping to call between 4 and 5 your time. I have to find someone with internet first though.

 

Please read your scriptures. They are SO IMPORTANT! 

 

I miss you more than......anything else, and love you more that that.

 

Read and Pray Everyday

 

Hermana Makin

 

PS Sorry the email was so short. Out of time......

I´ve been turned into a cow, can I go home now? (week 35)

Dear best people on the planet that I know aka my family aka the best family to ever walk the planet,

 

I am rather fond of you in case you didn't know. I still think you are the best family ever. Mostly when I hear about other peoples families, I think yeah my family is just so much cooler than that. Sure, we have our moments, our drama, but I have to say, as a whole we kind of rock at being a family. We are one funny bunch. 

 

So are any of you intrigued by my title? Hna. Smith said it to me this week because of a funny situation that happened. We went to a member families house for lunch (we eat with members everday) and the first thing the member said when she opened the door was look you´ve gotten fatter (not referring to me). Its not like a rude thing here in Latin America to say things like that, but Hna. Smith took it very much like a north American would. She is really so thin, so I don't know why that is a thing, but well ya know, not the best thing to hear right before you eat lunch. 

 

Anyway, Joaquin got baptized. It was a beautiful experience. His whole family came to support him, even his cousin who is actually a teacher at the MTC in Santiago. He gave us the reference. Joaquin was crying, and his Mom and Dad cried too. He is a cheeky little monkey of a kid. He kind of reminds me of Chase a little bit. Did I tell you that his Dad has or had cancer? I think he doesn't anymore, but I don't really want to ask.

 

We had our talent show this week, and we sang....and it didn't come out all that well, not gonna lie. Also it was kind of funny because we sang in the middle. There were like all these worldly numbers and then we came in in the middle with sisters in Zion and daughters of Helaman. They turned on the lights and everything. Afterwards I told my companion not to let us get talked into doing that again, and she was all deal! Then on Sunday the relief society invited us there times during class to participate in the choir for Branch Conference....and there just wasn't really a way to get out of that one, so we are going to do that.

 

Did I tell you about that awkward experience I had the other week? We went to visit a sister in the ward who has cancer and isnt doing so well. So we decided to sing her a hymn and give her a little spiritual thought. Well we (I) decided which hymn we were going to sing on the spot, and I chose my favorite hymn of the week which was the Lord is my Shepherd. I just really like the melody. Anyway in the second verse it says something about walking through the shadow of the valley of death. Please note I did not see that one coming. Nor had I paid that close of attention to the words before. So anyway by the end of the song she was crying. But, for the rest of the song I was like ah crap what scripture am I going to share that is going ot just blow this whole death song out of her memory. I don't remember which one I picked, but it was a really good one. She kept saying thank you, for the message and song, so maybe it was what she needed to hear. #awkward

 

This week we also had our Zone Conference with President. It was so so so good! I left with so much animo to work! (Not that I lack it usually.) President Warne is really awesome. He is very inspired and we are lucky to have him. Please pray for him and Hermana Warne. They are responsible for all of us and they do a really good job. They receive revelation for us, and some of the time that is revelation that really protects us. I wont go into any major detail, but I am rather fond of them both.

 

Got sick again this week....RIGHT after the conference ended. I started feeling really nauseous. It was pretty terrible, but I was doing a division with Hna. Prien so I kind of had to tough that one out. Of all the days to have all your appointments fall through....that should not have been one of them. Anyway the next day was pretty bad too and my compy called the nurse on me and she told me to stop being selfish and stay home........lets just say I am turning into my mother, and cannot sit still to save my life. I don't know how to just relax anymore. I think that is probably a good thing.

 

All right, prepare yourselves for some gems of spiritual light. God taught me what I am about to share with you during personal study. (PS didn't get a chance to finish studying about the light of Christ so I am going to have to wait to share about that until another time). 

 

In Alma 48:11 (A) The footnote takes you down to the GEE (guia de los escrituras) or the topical guide/bible dictionary (I forget how it works in English) it takes you to what I think would be understanding (I was reading in Spanish so I hope this makes sense.) There is something that I really like that it says there. It says that Understanding isn't just to learn something, you also have to apply that thing that you learn. Moroni had a perfect understanding, not because he learned a lot of stuff, but because he applied what he learned. Then later on in that chapter it talks about how if all men were like Moroni the powers of hell wouldn't have any power over men (or something like that) I am kind of thinking that their reason why Moroni had such power was because he applied what he learned. The understanding we can acquire to better our lives and progress comes from God, and thanks to the grace of Jesus Christ we have the opportunity to become better. We wouldn't be able to progress if it weren't for his sacrifice. Remember that scripture in Alma that says that I don't glory in myself, I glory in my God, and as to my strength I am weak (something like that). Well, its true! Anyway have you studied about the grace of Jesus Christ? I recommend it. It is really just delightful to the soul. Grace is the divine means of help or strength given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. BUT his grace is only sufficient when we put in all of our efforts. So, are we faithful to the understandings God gives to us? (Alma 53:20) How many times do we say/hear I knew I shouldn't have or don't you know better? If we really understood, them we would apply. Those that apply are those that can be compared to a wise man. It doesn't profit us to sit around and wait for tomorrow. Apply the grace of Jesus Christ in your lives and apply the understanding God has given you to be better people. God loves us so much. All we have to do it reach out and there is every resource available to help us in this challenging path that is life. Anyway hope that made sense.

In a couple of weeks I am going to be skyping you which is pretty weird. (Thanks for reminding me haha) I have no idea at what time or anything. We have church till one and then 1:30 to 3:30 we have lunch and then 3:30-5:30 we have weekly planning....so I am GUESSING it will be after that. You are 3 hours behind BWT. Let me know what works best for you Mommy dearest. It is gonna be really weird to talk to you.......oh and as a side note....I decided this week that I don't know if I can come home again. I don't know how to function in that world. (Don't start freaking out Gill I also believe in obedience and that doesn't follow rules.....so)

 

Anyway I miss you all a lot. Please take care of my babies! 

Love,

Your favorite Sister Missionary

PS READ AND PRAY EVERYDAY EVERYDAY EVERYDAY!!!!!

BOM Studying (week 34)

Dear Gringos,

 

Thanks for all the great pictures and videos this week. They were so cute! It makes me just a little sad seeing how big all of my babies are getting. I guess I am okay with them getting bigger as long as they remember who I am.....so you better be quizzing them EVERYDAY....THANKS! 

 

Let´s see....what happened this week.......well we taught people.....and it got really cold! Well, not really that cold, but like in the 50´s, but the drop was sudden so it seemed colder. It was fourteen degrees yesterday! (That probably doesn't mean anything to you.) Anyway I was really glad to have boots and nice warm socks. (Thanks Dad.) 

 

So lately I have really just been delighting in my personal study. It is so cool to be able to study and get revelation and inspiration, and then watch as things throughout the day build upon it. It is the coolest thing ever. Mostly because you wouldn't have understood the new thing you learned in the same way if you hadn't learned something awesome in personal study. (I hope that makes sense.) This week I have been studying about the light of Christ. It has been quite delightful. I am not quite finished with that one yet, but I will let you know some of my insights next week.

 

I am working hard at finishing the Book of Mormon. I read pretty much all the free time I have. We were supposed to finish at the end of this month as you know, but President wrote and said he extended it till May 15th. I was pretty happy about that because I got a bit behind with the whole being a missionary thing. I am in like Alma fifty something. I just have to say that reading about Alma and his life has been a huge blessing. He started out so wicked, and then through effort and with the help of the atonement he was able to become one of the greatest missionaries and leaders in the Book of Mormon. At the end of his life he ends up just walking away from everyone and no one ever heard from him again. It could very well be possible that God just took him up into heaven for his righteousness. Anyway, it just is so amazing to think about that we really can be made clean and perfect in Christ.

 

Oh, and don't even get me started on Moroni! In the scriptures it says if everyone on Earth were like Moroni the devil wouldn't have any power on the Earth. Then it says that Moroni had such a powerful influence on the people of the city of Noah that he changed the who city. I want to be like that don't you?

 

Anyway, this week we get to have a Zone Conference and we are doing special training. We are doing that tomorrow. President seemed pretty excited about it when we talked to him about it yesterday. (He just randomly showed up at the church building and we heard him and were all like....uh.....what?!) Anyway they always make lunch for all of the missionaries and Hermana Warne always make sure to bring a good homemade treat. It is usually something gringo, which pretty much makes my heart sing. (She is so good to us.) 

 

So, I usually try and not tell you things that will scare you or make you worry, isn't that nice of me? (I cant decide if that is a good or bad idea....what do you think?) But, sometimes the stories are just so good its hard for me to refrain. I have had some really good self control so far.....don't worry I am totally safe. 

 

So something kind of cool has been happening lately and you all have been involved, or I assume you have been anyway. Lately my Spanish has gone to a whole new level. It has been so much easier to speak. Not that is was extremely challenging before, but it has been so much easier to express my self. I think its because you have been praying. The last couple of days....not so much the case, but before that. So, thanks for your prayers.

 

I do want to touch one topic......No one commented about the tomato thing....NO ONE! Not even Dad.......so.......you should respond to the things that I say in e-mails more. 

So anyway I have learned my sector, which is kind of awesome. I can successfully get around in my sector without getting lost WOOHOO!!! I definitely don't know all the street names yet, but I am still pretty pleased :)

 

Joaquin is going to get baptized this Saturday if everything goes according to plan. Please pray for him. It is one big step he is taking, especially for a 14 year old. He gets himself up and gets to church every Sunday. (He probably walks there too.) We don't even call him ( we are not being irresponsible, he just doesn't have a phone.) Please pray for this kid. I really love him to pieces. He told us when he grows up he wants to be a missionary. Is that not the most tender thing you ever heard?

 

I am so thankful to have this opportunity to serve the Lord. It is the best thing I have ever done and has changed my life. Thank you for all of your support, I really couldn't do it without you. I feel your prayers and I want you to know they help me everyday. We have all the restored truths of the gospel to help us today. God is here to help us to reach our goals and strengthen us. He loves each of us individually. Jesus Christ made it all possible, and makes it all possible to be  able to receive the greatest gift God has to offer which is eternal life. I love this gospel with all of my heart and am so grateful for the happiness it gives me everyday. 

Read and Pray Everyday Everyday EVERYDAY!!!!

Love, Hermana Makin

Buenos Dias Familia (week 33)

Buenos Dias Familia,

So I eat tomatoes now, and I don't hate them. They are really really big on tomatoes here, so they serve them to us all the time, and I have to eat them, and I think I must just have gotten used to the texture or something. Everyone says that they taste better here though.....so I may hate them again when I get home. Anyway just thought I would start off with that gem because I keep forgetting to tell you.

 

This week was quite the week! I think it is kind of just like pure confusion when you first get to a sector. I did learn a lot this week though. I kind of have a general understanding of my sector, and can even name off some of the streets and poblaciones (I know you are going to have to google that, but I don't know how to say it in English) so that is quite good. Also, I remember a lot of the names of people so that is kind of amazing! (We meet so many people, it is just really hard to remember sometimes. Example, one of the people we call tiger lady. It started out because my companion couldn't remember her name, but now it is just funny. We found her this week so that was exciting. She is in her 70´s. I saw her get off the bus and the spirit was all, you need to talk to her, so I kept walking (because I am dumb) and then we turned around and walked by her house and the door was open and the spirit was all go in that's her house, so I kept walking and then I realized I was being dumb and was all What am I doing? and turned around and then we met her. We haven't actually taught her yet, but she told us that she pertained to the church in Pichilemu, so that is kind of cool. We are going to teach her tonight. (Please excuse my terrible grammar right there. I know there are some run-on sentences. Maybe my sister will edit it for me :) ) (editors note: didn't happen :) )

 

Anyway my new companion is awesome. I love her. She kind of talks like a gangster, so if I start talking weird in e-mails....that would be why. She does know how to sound normal though haha discovered that one (funny story) Anyway she just finished her training. She is from Colorado. She was an atheist before she found the church. Her story is pretty awesome. She thought the church was like a history museum because she saw a family history sign and so she went in to check it out, and BAM conversion!

 

So I kind of want to back track in the week to when I was in Recreo. I miss those people! On Monday I went to say goodbye to a few people. I said goodbye to Patricia and she started to cry. I felt SOOOOO bad! She gave me one of her prized possessions and kept asking about how she could call me etc. It was pretty terrible. Then I didn't get to say goodbye to Javier.....that was really depressing. I called him on the phone though, and said goodbye that way. He was having chest pains again. I worry about that kid, I really do. They don't even know what is wrong with him, and I won't ever find out....because I am not allowed to write him. Anyway so I almost cried after that. I was really sad. 

 

Anyway, so I got here to San Fernando. I am in the Guadalupe Branch (yep a branch not a ward). It is actually bigger than my last ward. We are in like the city part of San Fernando. There are some country parts......and they ride bikes, so I am pretty happy about where I am at. It is bigger than Graneros, but smaller than Rancagua....which probably means nothing to you all haha.

 

Anyway so we have some pretty awesome investigators here. There are two people that are going to get baptized in the next month. One whose name is Joaquin and the other is Nicole. Joaquin is a cheeky 14 year old with a lot of energy. He is really into the getting baptized thing. He told us on Sunday that he was talking to an Elder the night before and he told him he should pray to God to find out if he should get baptized, so he did and then he told us he got his answer during testimony meeting, that the church is true and that he needs to be apart of it. I was all like WHAT THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!! He prayed and was open enough to get an answer from the spirit. So then he walks away and Hna. Smith was all, well that was like a knife to my heart. She thought he said the opposite thing haha Anyway, so then there is Nicole who has known about the church for months and months. She has been waiting because she isn't married and lives with her fiance. (Something so common in Chile. Getting divorced is really hard here, and they only just started allowing it. So, living together is very very common.) She gets married on the 27th and baptized on the second of May. Her Grandma died on Saturday so she wasn't at church because there is a law you have to bury the people within 24 hours.....I'm thinking they don't embalm here or something.

 

Anyway so this week was definitely a challenge. I definitely felt strengthened by you all though. In the blessing I received before I left it gave me a promise that when I felt weak I should hit my knees and pray and I would feel the strength of my family members praying for me at home. So, thank you so much for your prayers. Satan was really trying to do a number on me this week. Just because your a missionary doesn't mean Satan doesn't try and get at you at whatever angle he can. He doesn't want missionaries in the field. He works so hard against us sometimes. It is really annoying. That is why obedience is so important as a missionary, and why the rules are so strict.

 

Anyway I love you all very much. I also miss you a lot. Feel free to fill me in on more stuff. I like the mundane routine things of life. You might think you life is boring or nothing is happening, but I happen to know all of your children and they are the funniest people I know! Please pray for Javier and his health problem. Please pray that Joaquin can have more desire to focus on his studies so his Mom doesn't make him stop coming to church. Please pray for Nicole and her family. Satan works so hard to stop baptisms.......its so stressful! Anyway be good, be diligent, be obedient. Stand up for what you believe in. Strengthen your faith. Love God more than anything else. Try and be like Jesus.

 

Read and Pray Everyday Everyday Everyday!

Love you to the U.S. and back a bajillion times!

Hermana Makin

Ill go where you want me to go dear Lord.....Ill be what you want me to be (week 32)

Dearest Family of Mine,

So, as promised in my last e-mail (I was going to try and be more interesting) this week was full of stuff!

We had a pretty good week here in Recreo. There was this one lesson I want to tell you about this week. We started teaching a less active and her pareja. He has some interesting ideas about things.....lets just say he has read a lot of books. Anyway so we were teaching him and he was spouting off all of these things he had read and Satan was trying to weaken my faith which was annoying. I had no idea what to say or how to respond, or how God wanted me to help him. I just prayed for his heart to be softened. I felt so inadequate at that moment. BUT God promised that we won't be confounded before men, I just had to be patient and keep my faith strong. Stuff just came to my mind and I was able to say things. Things that made him think a little and anyway no real way to describe it, but it was awesome! Then the next time we went I remembered things he had said and invited him to pray in a cool way (because the spirit told me how to do it). It was like a oh I need to pray and not depend on the understandings of other men. So pray for the spirit to be with him. That his heart can be softened. That he can accept the truth and have the ability to recognize it.

We found a new investigator this week who is golden! First of all, he called us because we contacted a family member in his house! Then we went and taught him with an awesome member who answered his many questions. He then read his homework that night and the next morning he brought over three copies of his thoughts and questions TYPED!!! He brought it to our house. (His grandaparents are our neighbors so its not creepy.) We also invited him to be baptized. I am so excited....to find out what happens as I will be in San Fernando (Guadalupe)! Yep, thats right people, I am moving for the third time in three months, to a new sector! I am excited for new adventures and new people, though I am sad to leave people I have grown to love. Like, really sad! I just love these people! I don't want new ones yet! This ward is amazing too! I am going to miss working with the members. The name of my new companion is Hermana Smith. She JUST finsihed her training......I feel a little pressure haha... (Just because she is newer.) I hear she is awesome though, so I am probably worrying for nothing. I am also a little stressed because apparently I am now cordinadora.....yeah....I have no idea what I am doing. Also I feel really really unqualified. I am just not good enough for this calling. ANYWAY God reminded me that he doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called, but I am still a little lost. All I got was a piece of paper. Extra prayers for me please, that I can learn my sector quickly, that my tongue may be loosed and that I can figure out how to magnify my calling more fully this week. Thanks!

I let Hermana Williams cut my hair this week. It turned out pretty great! I can wear my hair down now! The last cut.....not so cute. I will send pics.

So funny story: Hermana Gracia called me Elder Makin this week....which was not actually so funny. Anyway we were at the apartment later that night and we were teasing her about it. She was all what can I do to make up for it. What about the atonement. Then I was all....saved by grace after all you can do Sister....maybe you had to be there, but Hermana Williams and I were cracking up. Then we were all you might know you are a missioary if........we are a little nerdy....but its okay because we are also AWESOME!

I was so excited about conference this week, and was so glad to be able to participate in the spirit there. It is truly a marvelous blessing to have prophets on the earth today.  I hope that you all took advantage and set new goals.

This week I have been reading in Alma. I love reading Alma as a missionary because he and the sons of Mosiah were just such amazing examples of missionaries. I have so much to learn!

Anyway I feel like I am forgetting something...but I cant remember right now. Please do good things everyday! Look for miracles and you will find them!

 

Read and Pray Everyday Everyday Everyday! (Who knows which talk this came from?)

Love,

Hermama Makin

TODAY IS MY MOMS BIRTHDAY!!!!! (week 31)

Happy Happy Birthday Mom! I hope that this is your best birthday yet!

So I am guessing none of you heard about the floods and volcanic erruptions this week in Chile. Pretty sad. No worries, I am good :) Our area wasnt effected. We lost the power and water there for a bit......which makes me really wonder if any of us would actually survive in an emergency situation. Well let me just tell you that you pretty much can't do anything without water or electricity.....like nothing. Most food requires at least one of those two things. I am going to do some upating of my 72 hour kit here. I did a pretty good job in the beginning, but I should probably add things like water haha 

 

Anyway so Conference is this week! Who is excited? Did anyone go to the womans conference? We get to go on Thursday. I am so excited! It is going ot be a marvelous weekend. I hope you are all preparing. I hope you all take questions. I hope you all make it a memorable expereince for your kiddos too. They will probably be bored, but there is maybe something you can do to make it special. I remember one time when I was little and everyone was listening to Conference and I was so annoyed so I decided to go to Grandmas thinking she wouldn't be listening to it......I don't think I really knew what Conference was haha No way Grandma would miss it! (Is someone going to hook that up for her? Pops?)

 

Anyway this week is week 6! Last week of the cambio! Time goes by pretty fast here. I assume everything is going well. No news is good news right? (I get that saying now, though I think it should say no news means good news. It makes more sense that way.

 

I feel really boring.....sorry. Maybe I will have something more exciting to share next week.......I love you all to pieces!

 

Hermana Makin

Can I get a number one with rootbeer? Thanks! Oh and extra fry sauce! (week 30)

Hello Family!

 

I am wearing sweatpants under my skirt today.....just because I can! (don't even worry Jennifer you can't see them because they are capris. Thanks for teaching me your ways Jess)

Patricia and Lorena went to church yesterday! We started teaching another joven who is the son of a former menos activo. He is going to get baptized some day. He had never prayed before and we kneeled down and prayed at the end of the lesson and he prayed to know if there really was a God. At the end he was crying....so I think that is a good sign! So that is exciting!

 

This week we helped a bunch with the Relief Society Anniversary party. The presidency went all out. It was really nice. We make cupcake toppers (that is actually what they call them here too haha.) They went all out. It was a fun experience. We had some people we are teaching go too. So that was awesome.

 

Anyway I want to share some of my thoughts that I had yesterday as we were walking home from church. I was thinking about how lucky I am to have all of you, no but really. I am glad that every time I open my email there is more than one email. That I get letters from just about everyone every week. One of the Hermanas has yet to get an email from her parents. Her Dad has Alzheimers so he doesn't even remember her anymore....so sad! Then I was thinking about some missionaries who leave and don't have support at all from their families. Their families don't understand why they left because they are not even members. Then they have to go back to a family who doesn't get it. I feel so blessed to be part of a family where everyone is a member. Not just members, but active in the church and sealed in the temple. I don't know if you think about it or have really thought about it before, but it is a HUGE blessing that we have all known about the church since birth. That we were tortured with hair rollers weekly and woken up early to go to church. WE ARE BLESSED! SO BLESSED! Also it has come to my attention that people don't talk to their family members all that much. They don't call and communicate like we do. That is so important. It is part of taking care of the people around us. We are really really lucky. Keep working on staying united. That is what God wants. He wants us to be happy and unified.

 

Anyway not much else to tell about the week....nothing else different really happened, except Hermana Williams ran into the glass door this morning and I died laughing. Oh and Hermana Gracia is sick :( Poor thing. Got the same thing as Hermana Williams........some throat virus or something. So pray for her. Hermana Williams is still kind of sick but mostly better.

 

Prayers for the week: Javier, Patricia, Lorena.

 

Read and Pray Everyday!

 

Miss you like crazy!

 

Hermana Makin

Arrival of the Suitcase (week 29)

Wow! Almost out of time! Dang! Anyway this week was good.... I got the suitcase last night....I about died! Cadburry eggs and Reeses and shoes and ST: PATIRCKS DAY STUFF!!!! I know I am forgetting something else that I love, but there is just not time to stop typing and think right now. Thank you so much! You guys are so good to me! I am sure my companion hates me. ANYWAY on the amazing news front. LORENA WENT TO CHURCH!!!! I about died! WOOOOOHOOOO!!! Please keep praying for her. Patricia didn't end up going (have I told you about her yet?) Her brother was hospitalized. Satan works on all ends. Can you pray for her. We really need to visit her this week. We finally finished everything with the move this week. Elder and Hermana Johnson came and helped us fix up our apartments. We now have everything including fun curtains! We all sleep in the same room which is fun. The living room....because who really uses their living room for anything else?

This week we have a special mission conference....I will tell you more about it next week....because I don't really know anything at this point.

 

Did you all call my beautiful Belle and sing her happy birthday? I sure hope so! Happy Birthday Liv! I love you and have been praying for you lots lately! (Hopefully she has recovered by now) Also Emma.....hope her surgery went well too. Could you all stop with the surgery thing? Thanks! Also you can all stop getting sick! How is Dad? Haven't heard about him in a while.....

 

Hermana Williams got really really sick this weekend.....we sleep in the same room and breathe the same air. The only good thing about getting sick is that you get to sleep....but that isn't why I am here....so I am going to avoid getting sick. I gave her some Dayquil....the drugs just aren't as effective here. Hopefully I don't get many more colds. Oh, thanks for the airborne haha. I probably have enough for the rest of my life. JK Marissa, thank you for the chapstick. It is my favorite kind! You are so thoughtful to think of me. I was especially excited about the cards from Jennifer and Mom. I didn't wait Jen haha....but I will read it again tomorrow. Are you all going to wear green? I don't have any......oh well.....I do have my eyes! Oh and I was so excited about the picture of our family too! Now I can put it in my scriptures and when people ask me about my family I can show them the pic. Hna. Stringham always had hers and it was fun. I was jealous haha.....in a not sinful way.

 

Anyway I am down to one minute.....so I must depart. Please take care of my babies. Give them lots of kisses and work hard on that brainwashing ;)

 

My challenge for you all this week is to make sure you do your FHE. It is very important or the prophet wouldn't have told us to do it. Make the time, because your family is the only thing you get to take with you, so you better make it good while you are here.

Miss you all very much! Thank you for the extra prayers this week, I felt them. It helped me a lot. If you could include in your prayers Patricia, Lorena, and Jean (Yahn). P-we need to visit L-is having a little health problem and J-Needs an answer to his prayer if the church is true.

Read and Pray Everyday!

Hermana Makin

PS Hope my rambling makes sense.....

Pics, pics, pics!!!

Brooms in Chile (week 28)

Hey Yall! 

Have I told you about brooms in Chile.....they are very indispensable here. Like a lot. They use them for everything! They can even convert into mops? Did you know that? The broom here would be like the equivalent of paper towels in the US. Just a fun fact for the readers out there. 

So this week was pretty crazy! We moved! To the fourth floor of an apartment. Reminds me of you Jill haha Anyhoo they called us Tuesday night at 10:30 and told us we needed to be ready to move by Thursday morning......so that was fun. Then we just had problem after problem with that. For example....now we have no fridge or washing machine.....yep I am on my last pair....so it looks like I will need to hand wash some things today.... The apartment is really nice though, and once everything gets settled it will be an enjoyable place to live. Meanwhile things are unorganized and driving me crazy! I think that is why bad stuff keeps happening too. It’s because the spirit can’t protect us because the spirit can’t dwell in chaos. Anyway so the iron fell on Hermana Williams foot and she’s pretty sure she broke her toe.. but she won’t call the nurse. Hna. Gracia fell out of the shower and hit her head....I so far have not had any major incidents, which is good because you know how prone I am. Hopefully everything gets fixed. 

Patricia came to church this week! I was so excited! She really liked it and wants to come next week! I just love her to pieces. She is one of my favorite people here in Chile. I think some people stick with you more........I think it has something to do with pre-earth life, but I don’t know.

Last week we got a challenge from the President to read the Book of Mormon from the beginning to the end before end of April. I finished first Nephi this week. Woot! One day I am going to write a letter about my testimony of the Book of Mormon for you to put on the blog. I just love that book so much! 

Anyway I love you all very much. I am going to give you a challenge now. Ya ready? Read the Book of Mormon before my birthday. You all have the app so listening you could even do it. It is only like 8 pages a day....which okay is kind of a lot, but it will change your life and you won’t ever regret it. Please take care of each other and love each other. Family is the most important thing. It is what the gospel was made for.

Read (a lot) and Pray Every day!

Hermana Makin

PS if you could pray for my back that would be really good. It is all kinds of messed up lately. Don’t worry I am going to call the nurse today and ask her what to do.

If I never eat corn again I will be one happy camper......just the smell reminds me of Jill and her chicken salad sandwich (week 27)

Hi Family!

 

(It is corn season and there are a few Chilean dishes that use corn......naturally we have eaten corn a lot :) the members try and introduce us to Chile.)

 

I have been missing you this week. I think everytime there is a change it makes me miss you more...kind of weird how that works out. We had a pretty good week here in Recreo. Not to much to report. We walked a lot and I used a whole lot more Spanish because my companion is from Peru.......and yeah it was kind of a normal missionary week. Wow I have officially gotten boring......

 

Wait! Hermana Williams got legit bit by a dog. It was pretty bad. It took a big chuck out of her clothes and it was all bloody and such. The poor thing had to go and get a bunch of anti rabis injections today.....please pray for me....I just wouldnt make it if I had to get a bunch of injections in another country.

 

I talked to the President and he told me that I should go buy another retainer...so I will be going to Santiago probably this week. 

 

Oh....and we are moving to another house....either this week or next week. I will tell you why later....after we move.

 

A couple of weeks ago Hermana Stringham and I contacted a woman who was outside cleaning up her patio. We of course tried to share with her, but she said no I really am not interested, I am busy, and I am going on vacation. (There is always more than one excuse it seems.) Anyway turns out she didn't make it to her vacation because she passed away. She wasn't even that old. It was very unexpected for her whole family. I just kept thinking about how sad it was that she didn't get the opportunity to hear the gospel in her life. I don't know if she had talked with missionaries before or if she knew some who was a member, but it just made me really sad. I kept thinking would I have tried harder if I had known or did I really do everything I could have to help her feel the spirit and desire to know. I came to the conclusion that I really did try my best to offer her the opportunity. Everyone gets to choose as my grandma always says. My next thought went to the people who could have influenced her. Neighbors, or other missionaires who perhaps passed. We all can make a difference in someones life even if it is small. God needs our help to do this work. It is more important than any other thing we do. we should never buy into Satans lie that we don't have time.....because God gave us this time to do his work. Everything else we get to do is just a bonus.

 

I testify of the importance of missionary work. We are here to help God with his work. It is not our time, it is Gods time that he gave to us. Even small things can make a big impact. I love you all so much and I am so glad that our family will be together forever! I have all the incentive in the world to work hard and do my best so that I can be with you all forever. I hope that you all work hard too! Try a little harder to be a little better everyday. It isn't about perfection it is about growth and progress.

 

Challenge of the week: Everyone go and visit Grandma. She needs to feel the love. (I don't know why that popped into my head, but just do it......because I can't.)

Miss you more than the mountain is tall!

 

Read and Pray EVERYDAY!!!!!

 

Hermana Makin

Hi... (week 26)

Hi,

Well.....cambios went about just as we expected. Hermana Stringham is abandoning me :( I am sad.....also stressed. I still don't know all of the people and it is a hard sector...but I have faith that it will all work out.

Hermana Stringham is doing well. I think she is nervous about going to a new sector and leaving her first sector, but I think it is mostly because of the bikes and the dogs. She is afraid of both of those things. Oh well you should probably know that the dogs here chase cars and bikes and they get so close to the wheels that it doesn't surprise you that many of the dogs in the street are lame. I imagine more than one dog has kocked a missionary off their bike....

 

Anyway, we had a pretty good week here in Recreo. We are still working really hard as usual. This week we decided that we were going to have animo all week long and we did it. We found 5 nuevos this week! I don't really know if they will progress or not....but I am excited to have some new people to teach! Four of the nuevos are a family of sorts and they are very Evangelico...so I don't know what is going to end up happening with them. 

 

Javier is going to the temple this week! Also we are going to challenge him to enroll in seminary and he is going to recieve the priesthood on Sunday. He is such a good egg. He is one of those investigators de oro.....and now a converso de oro! I am excited for his future. He is now in Mosiah! He set a personal goal to finish the Book of Mormon. So now my goal is to finish the Book of Mormon before he does. 

 

I was reading in Jesus the Christ this week and it said Jesus Christ is full of grace and truth. As I want to be more like Jesus I decided I needed to learn more about grace. I always thought it was more like an attribute one could acquire, but I came to find through my studies that it is more of like a power. We can be better because of the grace of Jesus Christ, or through the power of Jesus Christ.  There are so many scriptures that are fantastic that talk about grace too. Also I really loved the bible dictionary definition.  I loved studying it. I recommend it!

 

So not too much more exciting going on here. I would ask that you pray for Lorena though. She was going to go to church this week like if it was the last thing that she did because she just wants to know if it is where she is suppossed to be....and her husband invited people over again....I think he is trying to put things in the way. He is a good person....I just....well.....he thinks it's a cult and we have weird rituals or something. Anyway Lorena is starting to think it shouldn't be this hard and....I think she is loosing her desire to know.....please pray for her. She is so so great! Also you could pray for Alejandro her husband.

 

I miss you all quite a lot. Its really annoying. I loved all the letters I got from Mom this week. It was funny watching the Elders pulling down all the letters from the shelf and all of them being for me. (There were like 5 plus the package from Gill. Thanks Sister! Or rather...your welcome haha) They were all like what the freak! It was funny. I feel the love. You should all take advantage of me being in this zone. This one and the last one that I was in are the only ones where you get to check the mail every week. In any other zone.....well I just won't ever get mail. Like every 4 months or something.....so take advantage :)

Read and Pray Everyday!

 

Hermana Makin

Week 6! Cambios are coming......ah! (PS didnt this cambio go by fast!) (week 25)

Hello Family!

 

So I hope that I didn't give you the wrong impression with my last letter. I am doing really good! My sector is a challenge, but it's just a challenge, I don't take it personally. What I do take personally is the heat! So hot! Its okay though, we but popsicles :) They are pretty darn cheap....like 20 cents American.

 

So we had a baptism on Saturday! It was pretty great. We had a few problems with the font, but in the end it all worked out really well :) It was a really challenging day though. I woke up sick.....again. I know right? (You can't say I´m not exercising Dad. You could say that I am not eating right, but the members here are all over that, so you can't say that either. I get plenty of protein!) Then, just the font situation was really stressful. BUT! After he got baptised Javier got up to bear his testimony and he started crying. He couldn't even talk. It was just a really sweet experience! I guess you had to be there. We had mormon messages going on during the part where he was changing his clothes and his step dad was getting emtional. Then someone told us he is a non active member. His whole family came to support him, even his sister who doesn't believe in God. His friends came too. They came to the confirmation the next day too. (With their marijuana leaf necklaces and all lol) They were really interested and everything. Javier told us that they were talking about how missionaries are so persistent and the mormons and all that and he was all well I am going to be one of them. Then started telling them about the church. Hes already a missionary! And in his confirmation the missionary thing got brought up too. Miracles people miracles!

 

Oh and guess what! Hna. Sheehan told me that Samuel came to church in Graneros yesterday. I about lost it! He's back! I hope the Elders take good care of him. He is apparently going to go south after this....I just hope he keeps staying strong in the church. I had a dream this week he came back fat and an alcoholic......so then I was really worried this week.

 

ALSO!!!! Carlos( remember the one who couldn't leave his house) got called to be in the Young Mens presidency! My heart just fills with joy! I am so so so happy about this!

 

Oh! And! Lorena said she is going to go to church this next Sunday even if her husband doesn't come with her. Pray for them! She also said, I just decided to believe in the Book of Mormon....not really what we were going for when we asked her to pray for a testimony, I think she is just so afraid of the answer because she will have to change everything and her husband isn't really on board. We taught her about the Word of wisdom this week and she told us that she said it didn't make sense logically. What about self control etc. Then we read a scroipture from the bible and she was all....okay but how am I going to explain this to my husband? I think she knows it's true its just hard for her to accept it or something.

 

Everyday has a miracle in it, you just have to look for it. I prayed for you all a lot this week. I hope everyone is well. Keep me updated! Love you all to pieces!

 

Read and Pray Everyday!

 

Hermana Makin

More Pics...

Hermana Gracias birthday (from New Jersey)... New apartment digs, Hole in the shoe from all that walking, and bowling

If my birthday werent in May I would want it to be in February. I dont know why.....just so you know... (week 24)

¡Hola!

I may not have mentioned this awhile ago, but this is no longer my favorite word. I say it way too much for it to be my favorite word. Random thought, did someone help Mom figure out the e-mail thing? I would really appreciate it. Thanks! So this week is Javiers baptism! We are pretty excited. And I am sure I mentioned it before, but it is on Valentines Day! That is the coolest....okay not really, but pretty bacan! I really like Valentines day! Hermana Stringhams Mom sent her a Valentines package this week. It was adorable. SHe was a kindergarten teacher....nuff said. She included in it pjs for me with a heart shaped straw and a pencil. It was adorable. It kind of nice to think that people think about me and are nice to me when they don't even know me. Anyway......in the package were conversation hearts (totally forgot about those.) and we are going to put them on top of the cupcakes that we are going to make. No one is online right now though.....so I may have to improvise a recipe. Hermana Stringham was concerned because we are making a 16 year old boy pink cupcakes with hearts on them.....I said don't worry they will be delicious. She wasn't appeased......but we will be happy when we are eating them. So two things that you could pray for this week:

1. Javier

2. That we can find new people to teach......we spend a lot of time outside......on a positive note though, the temperature is decreasing! I think fall is upon us! Watch, now it will be really hot again tomorrow haha 

One last random thing.....I hate ants so so much! I know its wrong to hate, but I really really do. We have a big problem. We have tried everything! FYI foot powder is awesome for ants. We tried it this morning on an infestation on the patio and.....they did not like it.

Anyway there just isn't too much more to tell. We aren't finding a lot of new people to teach and you already know about Javier. I do want to say that I love you all very much, and I am very thankful for all of your prayers. I know they are what keep me going when it is 100 degrees outside and my feet hurt and my water bottle is empty. Its the reason why I keep going and don't get discouraged. God answers your prayers. I just want you to know that. I hope that you can all feel my love for you all the way down here in Chile. Like it or not your stuck with me forever muahaha. Isn't that great how that all works out? Miss you lots! Talk to you again next Monday!

Read and Pray Everyday!

Hermana Makin

Sorry I didnt write last week......... (week 23)

HOLA!

First of all, I am just going to give a shout out to the February Birthdays. First to my amazing dazling Marissa. and Next for Jimmy and Rob. (Sorry, it would just be weird to call you dazling.) Hope you three have a happy birthday!!!!!!

Hi family! I hope you had a good week....though I hear that some people got sick.......but not from the clean club haha jk. Anyway we had a pretty good week this week. Are you ready for the most ridiculous story ever? Here is goes.....

We woke up one morning this week and we were very unexcitedly getting started on our morning exercises.....when Hermana Gracia comes in our room and tells us there is a huge spider in the shower. Of course my mind went right to tarantula, but don't worry it wasn't. It was a rather large spider though. Big enough that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to kill it with one blow and I didn't want to anger it and let it attack me (I will try and add a photo, but the camera really didn't do it justice.) Anyway so we all four were standing there by the bathroom door, and no one wanted to kill it, but someone had to kill it because we all had to shower.....big dilema right? We didn't even have any chemicals because we ran out of those. So we decided to call the comisarios. They are the Elders who are in charge of house stuff. I called them because well it was just ridiculous and no one else would because it is embarrasing. ANYWAY I told them they couldn't laugh and then I told them about the situation. They were actually really good and didn't laugh. That is worth gold stars in heaven as Grandma would say. So they were all okay we will be there in 15 min.....and 30 minutes later they arrived. One of them was in a jumpsuit.....I think he was mocking us. BUT! They came armed, and now the large spider esta en el mundo de los espiritus. Anyway is turned out to be un araña de rincon which is a deadly spider here. (Dont worry Dad we sprayed today.) It bites you and they your skin starts disintegrating. You can google it if you want. Anyway kind of funny right?

So I have told you about Javier right? He is getting baptised on the 14th of this month. It is going to be the best Valentines day ever! Well this one or last years, because last years Valentines Day was like the best day EVER! You all know how I feel about Valentines day. Hermana Stringham was surprised haah but we found strawberry cake mix at the store today also heart shaped cherrios.....it is going to be an awesome day!!! Anyway Javier, he is already almost done with 2 Nephi and we didn't invite him to read from the beginning, he just wanted to. Pray for him, and that his Mom continues to cooperate and such. Shes supportive.....but then not.....idk how to explain it.

Then there is Lorena. She is so interested in the church, and she wants to start going and she accepted an invitation to be baptized (okay I am loosing my spelling skills....is it with an s or z in english?) but she doesn't want to do it without her husband. She wants a united family. We did a fast for Alejandro on Sunday. Hopefully his heart is open to the spirit. He's not uninterested....he's just not looking like she is. Anyway they have two adorbale little girls and Lorenas best friend is a member. She served in the temple square mission actually.

Anyway not too much else I think......we spend a lot of time outside looking for people. It is a more challenging sector, but I know I can see miracles everyday. I know this transfer was inspired, and I only hope that I can live worthy of Gods trust so that he can guide me to the people here who are ready for the gospel.

I love you all muy mucho! Hope you are enjoying your cold weather (besides Jess). It is really hot here. Like 34 lately (or so they tell me) which is just hot when you are in the sun all day. Thank goodness for the wind. It is my best friend and worst enemy (I have had a few Marilyn moments.....okay a lot more than a few. What's a sister suppossed to do?)

Oh and another random thing. I just got a letter from Mom in the mail and it is from November! How crazy is that? Some of them take forever I guess........

Read and Pray Everyday!

Hermana Makin